Duterte to personally decide on new telecom player

MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday said he would personally decide on the new major telecommunication player’s entry if the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) and other concerned agencies remain undecided by November.

Duterte made this reaction to reports that some applicants have backed out due to many conditions being imposed by the NTC.

“If early November wala pa (no decision yet), I will take over,” Duterte said in a tête-à-tête with Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo at Malacañang Palace.

Last April, Duterte signed Administrative Order No. 11, creating an inter-agency committee to oversee the entry of a third telecom player.

Duterte ordered the creation of the inter-agency oversight committee after the NTC failed to meet the March 2018 deadline for the entry of new player that would break the duopoly of two major players – PLDTand Globe Telecom.

The oversight panel, which is tasked to assist the NTC in the selection of third major telecom player, is composed of the Department of Information and Communication Technology, Department of Finance, Office of Executive Secretary and Office of the National Security Adviser.

“You know, I’m waiting for that critical decision. Until now, wala (nothing),” the President said.

Duterte said he would prefer to select the company with the best record in business and can deliver expensive but good quality service.